Rab Kinetic Plus

Weighing a mere 266g (small), the Kinetic Plus is an innovative garment that straddles the divide between hard and soft shells. Although technically sitting amongst the latter it still offers 10,000mm of hydrostatic head (a comparable figure to some fully waterproof membranes), but in a package which offers a soft, highly stretchy fabric too. That fabric is dubbed Proflex and Rab promises that it will “transform the way you dress for the mountains”. Whilst I wouldn’t go that far, it is extremely impressive. The whole package is not only tremendously light, but it’s pleasingly minimal too. There are hook and loop patches at the wrists and at the rear of the hood (not ideal) but that’s about it, and yet the garment is expertly judged to fit and stretch to feel as though it’s fitted just for you. As you can’t tighten it to any great degree the wired hood isn’t perfect, but the hand pockets, taped seams and elasticated hem are. Breathability is excellent and the waterproofing is inspiring for what it is. The fabric is, however, a little vulnerable to small snags. I tore mine slightly in testing.

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